Breaking Free from the Master Plan

Mmm, like Nikolai said, just a little more, I can stop, I will stop,...mmm..., so good, but Steve is not ok, I can feel it. I don't want to hurt him...even more. Mmm...his blood is really delicious now, it's getting better and better with each sip, I wonder how incredible his last drops must feel...wait, last drops? That means death, you idiot. Stop it. FUCKING STOP NOW!!

Maria suddenly pulled back, breathing in deeply. She looked at Steve, he wasn't moving anymore.

"He's ok, Maria, he's just tired from sex and all the rest. He will be fine, go ahead and drink some more..." Nikolai said while slowly pulling out of her ass, intending to manipulate her again. Maria stared at Steve's neck, longing for the sensations it offered but realized she will not be able to stop if she returns. He was still breathing, his heart was beating almost normally, he was just unconscious. Good.

"Maria, what are you waiting for? Go, bite him and..."

"No, it's enough" she interrupted him with determination, slowly standing up. "He's very weak and I'll kill him if I continue."

"Nonsense, he has a lot more in him..."

"Nikolai, I know he is in a critical stage."

"And what would you know about that matter?"

"I know because I was there myself just a few hours ago."

Nikolai knew he fucked up his last question before he ended it, he was thinking of a way how to turn this around again.

"Why are you pushing me? Why do you want me to... drain him?" she pressed, taking initiative.

"Look, I didn't want to tell you earlier because I was afraid of how you'd react. So, in order to finish with the transition without any problems you must...drain your first donor."

Maria looked at him intently, trying to analyze his words. She was rapidly losing remaining trust in him, this time it seemed obvious he was making things up. She straightened herself, confidence and energy surging through her. She looked him dead in the eye.

"Bullshit."

"Wha - what? You think I'm lying to you?"

"I don't believe I'll have any problems if I let him live. In fact, I've never felt better than now and..."

"Exactly!" Nikolai exclaimed. This segue was his last chance for him to save the plan that was now crumbling to pieces. "You feel the way you do because of ME! I know what you have to do to achieve your highest potential. Without me you are nobody - a blood drinking monster, alone in this world, bound to be destroyed either by humans or other vampires sooner or later. You are not prepared for the life that awaits you out there, Maria. You need me!"

Maria stood there motionless, contemplating his words. While she knew for a fact he tried to manipulate her she also knew he was right about one thing - she didn't know shit about the world out there and how to survive in it as a vampire. She saw only one way out.

"I have made up my mind, Steve lives. This is unnegotiable. In turn, I will follow you and accept your guidance but no more lies and deceptions! And if I find out you did something to him behind my back I will do everything I can to destroy you. You get that? Do we have a deal?"

Now Nikolai's mind was racing. This did not go according to his plan, she was too stubborn and independent for his taste but there may be some other way to get her under his grip. For now, this is the best he could get out of this situation.

"It seems this mortal really meant something to you. Although I admit I haven't been completely honest with you, my intentions were pure. Ok, I agree, Steve will be unharmed, at least on my part. Come, let's get cleaned up and leave this place."

Maria looked at Steve, who seemed at peace in his slumber.

He will probably have a rough couple of days but he will survive, despite my actions. God, he'll probably hate me for the rest of his life for what I've done to him.

Before leaving, Maria left him the mix of vitamins and drugs Nikolai gave her a couple of nights ago. It feels like ages ago now. With it, she wrote him a note, saying:

Steve, I'm sorry for what I've done to you. I hope that one day you will forgive me. I've left some vitamins and drugs to help you recover. Please don't look for me, your life could be in danger. I still love you, but I have to go. - Maria